The Ministry of Education has heightened security operations across the country to protect the credibility of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government is enforcing strict protocols to ensure the integrity of the assessments amid rising cases of exam leaks and digital malpractice networks.
According to the CS, all examination materials must now be transported under mandatory armed escort from storage points to examination centers. The directive applies to all counties and is expected to curb incidents involving tampering or unauthorized access during transit. Centre managers are required to collect and return exam papers using official government vehicles, a move aimed at eliminating vulnerabilities associated with private transport.
The ministry also maintained a firm prohibition on the use of mobile phones within examination centers. Only authorized personnel—specifically the centre manager and security officers—are allowed to carry approved communication devices. This measure is intended to reduce the risk of photographing or transmitting examination content.
Officials say the enhanced security protocols follow detailed risk assessments conducted ahead of the exam season. These assessments revealed increased attempts by individuals and criminal networks to exploit gaps in storage and movement of exam materials. With several arrests already made in connection with digital leaks, the ministry says the security reinforcement is necessary.
Ogamba emphasized that examination integrity remains a national priority, noting that any breach undermines public confidence and unfairly disadvantages honest candidates. The CS said the government will continue to coordinate with the Interior Ministry, security agencies and KNEC to maintain strong surveillance throughout the examination period.
The Ministry further reported that the overall administration of the exams has been smooth, with only minimal incidents of malpractice reported during the second week. Officials attribute this improvement to early deployment of security teams, strict monitoring and tighter communication controls at exam centers.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the government’s efforts, arguing that such measures are essential for safeguarding the credibility of the national assessment process. Several parents’ associations have praised the move, citing long-standing concerns over exam leaks and the impact of dishonest practices on university placements.
Security analysts say the new measures highlight the evolving threat environment surrounding high-stakes national examinations. With digital platforms providing new avenues for leaks, enforcement agencies must continuously adapt to stay ahead of criminal actors.
The Ministry of Education says it will maintain heightened surveillance until the marking and processing stages are complete. Officials have warned that any individual found breaching the strengthened security protocols will face immediate disciplinary and legal action.
